Customize your dream vacation, invest in a solid camera, and use these tips to score the cheapest airline tickets possible before you head out on the ultimate trip across southeast Asia.
By Wesley Grover, Men's Journal
Untamable jungles sit above soaring cave systems. Tropical waters hold World War II shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Across the region’s 11 countries, there are endless bucket-list experiences. These are the ones that promise to deliver a shot of adrenaline.
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Untamable jungles sit above soaring cave systems. Tropical waters hold World War II shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Across the region’s 11 countries, there are endless bucket-list experiences. These are the ones that promise to deliver a shot of adrenaline.
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Zip Line Over the Jungle
The Gibbon Experience, Huay Xai, Laos
[post_ads]The Gibbon Experience is a three-day excursion spent zip lining among the world’s tallest tree houses, which climb up to 130 feet off the ground. Established to help promote sustainable tourism and conserve the forest at Nam Kan National Park in Laos, the project now boasts over nine miles of zip lines, the longest of which runs 2,000 feet and reaches heights close to 500 feet in the air. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for black crested gibbons when you’re flying above the jungle. These incredibly rare primates can be seen swinging from the treetops and you’ll likely hear plenty of other wildlife while spending the night in your treehouse.
[post_ads]The Gibbon Experience is a three-day excursion spent zip lining among the world’s tallest tree houses, which climb up to 130 feet off the ground. Established to help promote sustainable tourism and conserve the forest at Nam Kan National Park in Laos, the project now boasts over nine miles of zip lines, the longest of which runs 2,000 feet and reaches heights close to 500 feet in the air. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for black crested gibbons when you’re flying above the jungle. These incredibly rare primates can be seen swinging from the treetops and you’ll likely hear plenty of other wildlife while spending the night in your treehouse.
Ride a Motorcycle Over Hai Van Pass
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Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An, Vietnam
The Ho Chi Minh Trail put Vietnam on the map as a popular motorcycle destination. While you probably won’t bring your own adventure-ready bike, it pays to get behind some handlebars (even if it’s an old, clunker of a bike) and tour this serpentine-shaped country. If you only have time to ride one section, the Hai Van Pass is a striking strip of road that connects the ancient capital of Hue with the city of Da Nang and Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the coast of central Vietnam, the full ride is about 100 miles that winds up into mountains overlooking the craggy coastline. Expect to stop a lot and make it a full-day journey. There are plenty of beaches, waterfalls, seafood shanties, and mind-blowing viewpoints along the way.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail put Vietnam on the map as a popular motorcycle destination. While you probably won’t bring your own adventure-ready bike, it pays to get behind some handlebars (even if it’s an old, clunker of a bike) and tour this serpentine-shaped country. If you only have time to ride one section, the Hai Van Pass is a striking strip of road that connects the ancient capital of Hue with the city of Da Nang and Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the coast of central Vietnam, the full ride is about 100 miles that winds up into mountains overlooking the craggy coastline. Expect to stop a lot and make it a full-day journey. There are plenty of beaches, waterfalls, seafood shanties, and mind-blowing viewpoints along the way.
Chill on the Beach With Komodo Dragons
Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
These giant, prehistoric-looking dragons roam freely on the rugged islands of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Komodo Island is the largest of the three that make up the park and the farthest from Labuan Bajo, the port town that serves as the jumping off point. There are a number of hikes throughout the island where you’ll encounter the venomous beasts swaggering about. The protected bays and picturesque beaches are great for snorkeling and cooling off after a trek, including the pristine, yet unimaginatively named, Pink Beach (guess what color the sand is).
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These giant, prehistoric-looking dragons roam freely on the rugged islands of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Komodo Island is the largest of the three that make up the park and the farthest from Labuan Bajo, the port town that serves as the jumping off point. There are a number of hikes throughout the island where you’ll encounter the venomous beasts swaggering about. The protected bays and picturesque beaches are great for snorkeling and cooling off after a trek, including the pristine, yet unimaginatively named, Pink Beach (guess what color the sand is).
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Climb the World’s Highest Via Ferrata
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
[post_ads]The world’s highest via ferrata, meaning “iron path” in Italian, was constructed on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. A series of rungs, rails, cables, and bridges set a path along steep, granite rock that leads to Low’s Peak at 12,388 feet. The easier route, known as Walk the Torq, is accessible for beginner alpinists, while the more challenging Low’s Peak Circuit is a six-hour route that should be left to more seasoned trekkers. Be prepared for the suspension bridge at 11,800 feet just before you’ve made it to the top: It’s a doozy (and also happens to be the world’s highest suspension bridge).
[post_ads]The world’s highest via ferrata, meaning “iron path” in Italian, was constructed on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. A series of rungs, rails, cables, and bridges set a path along steep, granite rock that leads to Low’s Peak at 12,388 feet. The easier route, known as Walk the Torq, is accessible for beginner alpinists, while the more challenging Low’s Peak Circuit is a six-hour route that should be left to more seasoned trekkers. Be prepared for the suspension bridge at 11,800 feet just before you’ve made it to the top: It’s a doozy (and also happens to be the world’s highest suspension bridge).
Scuba Dive Through WWII Shipwrecks
Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines
[post_ads]Coron Island is a scuba diving mecca in the Philippines with its crystal clear water and colorful reefs. The big draw, however, is shipwreck diving. Below the waters of Coron Bay, are the remains of a 560-foot Japanese fleet—called Okikawa Maru—that was bombed by the U.S. during World War II and is surprisingly well-preserved. Diving around the wreckage is a surreal, albeit eerie, highlight; you’ll find a diverse array of aquatic life while exploring the vast interior passageways of the vessel. Nearby, Cathedral Cave makes for an equally impressive underwater excursion.
[post_ads]Coron Island is a scuba diving mecca in the Philippines with its crystal clear water and colorful reefs. The big draw, however, is shipwreck diving. Below the waters of Coron Bay, are the remains of a 560-foot Japanese fleet—called Okikawa Maru—that was bombed by the U.S. during World War II and is surprisingly well-preserved. Diving around the wreckage is a surreal, albeit eerie, highlight; you’ll find a diverse array of aquatic life while exploring the vast interior passageways of the vessel. Nearby, Cathedral Cave makes for an equally impressive underwater excursion.
6-Mile Jungle Trek with 100 Waterfalls
Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Laos
[post_ads]You know what’s cooler than seeing a waterfall? Seeing 100 waterfalls. Head outside the city of Luang Prabang and deep into the jungle where you’ll find the sleepy town of Nong Khiaw in rural, northern Laos. Take a full-day trek along the Nam Ou River, meandering through rice fields, forested mountains, and 65-foot waterfalls. Expect to scale slippery rocks with nothing but a rope to hold and climb a few rickety bamboo ladders. While we certainly recommend a good pair of footwear, don’t be surprised to see locals doing it barefoot.
[post_ads]You know what’s cooler than seeing a waterfall? Seeing 100 waterfalls. Head outside the city of Luang Prabang and deep into the jungle where you’ll find the sleepy town of Nong Khiaw in rural, northern Laos. Take a full-day trek along the Nam Ou River, meandering through rice fields, forested mountains, and 65-foot waterfalls. Expect to scale slippery rocks with nothing but a rope to hold and climb a few rickety bamboo ladders. While we certainly recommend a good pair of footwear, don’t be surprised to see locals doing it barefoot.
Deep Water Solo on Karst Cliffs
Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
For rock climbers, deep water soloing is the ultimate rush. No ropes, no harness—just good, old-fashioned free climbing that inevitably ends with a plunge into the sea. In southern Thailand’s Krabi Province, Railay Beach is a climber’s nirvana with steep, limestone karsts rising out of turquoise waters. There are deep water solo routes abound, ranging from beginner to advanced (which rise more than 60 feet above the water). For the faint of heart, it is not. Ao Nang Tower is one of the more popular spots, but you could really spend months exploring all the crags here—with or without a harness.
For rock climbers, deep water soloing is the ultimate rush. No ropes, no harness—just good, old-fashioned free climbing that inevitably ends with a plunge into the sea. In southern Thailand’s Krabi Province, Railay Beach is a climber’s nirvana with steep, limestone karsts rising out of turquoise waters. There are deep water solo routes abound, ranging from beginner to advanced (which rise more than 60 feet above the water). For the faint of heart, it is not. Ao Nang Tower is one of the more popular spots, but you could really spend months exploring all the crags here—with or without a harness.
Mountain Bike Down a Volcano
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Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
No trip to the Ring of Fire is complete without watching the sun rise over Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. It doesn’t matter how well-traveled you are, taking in the splendor of this active volcano is an unforgettable experience. Most people hike or drive up to the viewpoint on neighboring Mount Pananjakan. However, thrill-seekers who prefer to get a closer look can go right up to the rim of Bromo’s volcanic crater and mountain bike down. You’ll feel the rumbling, heat, and ashy winds as you make the descent of a lifetime to the desert plain at the base, known as the Sea of Sand. Some even “sandboard” down.
No trip to the Ring of Fire is complete without watching the sun rise over Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. It doesn’t matter how well-traveled you are, taking in the splendor of this active volcano is an unforgettable experience. Most people hike or drive up to the viewpoint on neighboring Mount Pananjakan. However, thrill-seekers who prefer to get a closer look can go right up to the rim of Bromo’s volcanic crater and mountain bike down. You’ll feel the rumbling, heat, and ashy winds as you make the descent of a lifetime to the desert plain at the base, known as the Sea of Sand. Some even “sandboard” down.
Trek in the World’s Largest Cave
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Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh, Vietnam
If you’re not familiar with the world’s largest cave, known as Son Doong, that’s probably because it was just discovered in 2009 and has only been open to the public for five years. More people have stood on the summit of Everest than stepped inside this subterranean world, located in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It’s roughly three miles long, sp you can go on a four-day journey into the belly of the beast, crossing underground rivers and scaling a 300-foot calcite wall. Entry is highly regulated, so make sure to book your expedition in advance.
See more at: Men's Journal
If you’re not familiar with the world’s largest cave, known as Son Doong, that’s probably because it was just discovered in 2009 and has only been open to the public for five years. More people have stood on the summit of Everest than stepped inside this subterranean world, located in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It’s roughly three miles long, sp you can go on a four-day journey into the belly of the beast, crossing underground rivers and scaling a 300-foot calcite wall. Entry is highly regulated, so make sure to book your expedition in advance.
See more at: Men's Journal
